Two eaglets take in their surroundings with the moon over their shoulders; they are probably within 2 to 3 weeks of fledging . . .

Exploring the area a little further from its nest, this 4-month old juvenile eagle had flown back to a tree to the west. It was evening, the sun was about right, and it gave me a chance to capture it as it took off and flew into the evening sun. Their feathers at this age are just pure and beautiful. Taken during last year's nesting season, and pray that it made a successful journey to adulthood.

Mama keeps a watchful eye on her lone eaglet as it struts with purpose from one end of the nest to the other. The eaglet would fledge about 5 days later.

As the lone eaglet in the nest this year, this beauty had plenty of space to branch and strengthen its wings in preparation for its fledge (which happened around 10 days later). On this blustery day in late June with winds from the west, it was perfect conditions to jump back and forth from the branches to the nest.

Mama Eagle has been raising eaglets in this nest for many years, and this is the first time in several years that she has raised just one. No doubt this little one will be spoiled, not just from Mama but from her new mate as well.

Two eaglets watch and learn as their mama floats in for a graceful landing above their nest during last year's nesting season. It must be quite the sight to be so close to watch this beautiful raptor come in for a landing. In about 3 to 4 weeks they would be practicing their own landings on the branches above the nest.